Despite losing two first-round stars to the pros, the Miami Hurricanes secure the ACC’s top recruiting class as high-impact prospects like Rookie Shepard and Anthony Murphy arrive in Coral Gables.
MIAMI, Fla. – Following the 2026 MLB Draft, the Miami Hurricanes’ 2026 baseball recruiting class took a couple of hits. Shortstop Jacob Lombard (No. 14 – selected by the Miami Marlins) and left-handed pitcher Gio Rojas (No. 16 – selected by the Texas Rangers) were first-round selections. Both highly-touted recruits signed and will skip the college route.
The Hurricanes retained the 11 other commits, including outfielder Anthony Murphy and right-handed pitcher Ivan Sabater. Both were selected in the backend of the draft, but elected to play baseball in Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
Following Monday’s MLB signing deadline, the Hurricanes’ 2026 recruiting class ranks No. 12 in America Baseball’s top 25. It was the best among Atlantic Coast Conference programs.
Shortstop Rookie Shepard is the new highest-ranked (No. 37 overall) recruit heading to Coral Gables from the 2026 high school graduating class. He attended Faith Lutheran – a private institution located in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a senior, Shepard batted .511 with a 1.430 OPS, including 47 hits in 92 at-bats, 17 doubles, two triples, 31 runs batted in, and three home runs in 31 games.
The incoming 18-year-old freshman will have an opportunity to earn a starting role.
Murphy is the only other top-100 (No. 39 overall) 2026 prospect. He officially flipped from LSU to “The U” on July 17. Murphy attended Corona High School – a public institution located in Riverside County, California. As a senior, Murphy batted .394 with a 1.307 OPS, including 43 hits in 109 at-bats, six doubles, three triples, 33 runs batted in, and 11 home runs in 31 games.
The 19-year-old primarily played at center field, but it likely won’t be the case in Miami. The Hurricanes have returning juniors Fabio Peralta and Michael Torres, who will be the frontrunners for the starting job. Right field is a more open position, as rising star sophomore Dylan Dubovik is projected to take left field.
Here is the rest of the 2026 Hurricanes commits:
- Right-handed pitcher Andrew Gette
- Outfielder Trenton Ramsey
- Right-handed pitcher Ivan Sabater
- Outfielder Jon Mora
- Outfielder Easton Kitura
- Left-handed pitcher Ian Tosi
- Catcher Devin Diaz
- Infielder Rafael Diaz
- Right-handed pitcher Ty Van Valkenburg
J.D. Arteaga doesn’t shy away from playing freshmen. He showed it last season with Dubovik, catcher Alonzo Alvarez, and third baseman Gabriel Milano. The Hurricanes have several voids to fill, especially within the infield. It’s an opportunity for anyone to shine.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
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